We loved our time in Cuba The Cubans are resilient people.... who know what they have lived and don't seem to completely realize what they have missed. Havana and Trinidad were our favorites. Loved reading your impressions.
Amazing Galapagos This location remains on our short list ... we love your information. An homage to Darwin....so you had to go. Makes me want to go sooner than later.
Great Information! I'm finally headed to the Galapagos/Amazon in January and this was just what I needed to get excited (more excited). Its certainly the most expensive trip I've booked. :0
As expected As always a great read...is it any wonder you are a teacher in you other life! Made me a laugh a few times....my advice always pay a bit more for a prostitiue she (or he) might have a a cleaner bed ☺. Over and out Delfino
Pre-juding Columbia Certainly the newspapers back in the day would have given you pause. So glad you went back and had a wonderful experience. Hopefully your blog will send several to this part of the world. Thanks for sharing.
Ethiopia's Historical Circuit Very interesting to read of your experiences in Ethiopia Mike. While you went to many places in the north I have also visited, it was as if the vibe has changed since I was there in 2011. Maybe it was 'cause you were on an Intrepid tour that can be somewhat insular and hands out are attracted by the safari truck, or that the feeling of optimism we found from massive infrastructure building of roads, dams and buildings has subsided. Or maybe it is due to such things as the Chinese building a road to Lalibela that could well change the funky vibe of that mountain cobble-streeted wonderland with its rock hewn churches that also held you in thrall. But when we were there the Ethiopians truly believed they had changed the national thinking of not storing silos for harder times, and were developing farming practices to make Live Aid issues a thing long past. We found it the tidiest country we have visited in Africa, even in remote villages, which we put down to national pride. When one hears of massive famines recurring it has to affect national optimism and pride. To us Ethiopia is the jewel of Africa. After all you have said, I hope only good memories of the extraordinary culture and history live long in your soul.
Ethiopia is likely to suffer What a great story you tell, full of experiences and emotion. As we travel the world we can't be expected to love each place or people equally. Many things can impact the way we feel about a country and we have the right to feel what we feel. You have pointed out that they can and most likely will negatively impact the visitor experience and further decrease people wanting to be there. We appreciate your openness and honesty. That is what we long for here on TB. Great blog.
It is eventually!! The injera definitely grows on you and there are a wide range of things to dip it into, MOST of which are delicious! Glad you enjoyed thae blog, thanks for reading
West Africa Our travels in Mali led us to much prefer West Africa to East Africa as the people were more chilled and open without the frantic hands out demanding money that we found in the eastern countries heading south. Senegal is at the top of our wish list for Blues on the Niger and then heading south. West Africa has a charm that has us bitten big time. Wonderful adventure Mike full of wonderful observations and photos that makes our itch a potential scratching out of sight. Yet I would have loved more of your stories untold and your trip encapsulated in more blogs to carry us down the serendipitous road. Please Sir...I want more!
Pretty amazing journey! While I've always been an independent traveler, and not the tour type, clearly, this was one big adventure for which a tour was called for! How fabulous to visit so many places still untouched by tourism--for better and worse, and to meet locals. Glad you all made it out safely with fine stories to tell!
Trip of a lifetime I loved reading your adventure. This is the kind of trip I'd love to take but I'm old enough I would not enjoy it now. Certainly loved reading your experience and you'll never regret this one. Loved the blog.
Go, explore, understand, hobbits and horses This is a part of the world I would like to see and understand better. Strong emotions and faith. Thanks for weaving the history into your observations and experiences. Loved the Dead Sea photo.
You made me wanting to come back :) I have been to Turkey when I was still studying, with my friend, and it was our first serious trip abroad! We fell in love with Pamukalle on the spot, and Istanbul was so charming too :) I think Turkey is one of the countries I want to revisit, as my memories about people and places are rather warm :) In the world when everything is changing so quickly, it is important to try to have good memories :)
Turkish Chicken is the Best in the World! I mean it! Yum. I'm very surprised to hear your reaction to Turkey. It's one of my favorite places on Earth, but in all fairness that list is rather long! I have to say that going to a country for two weeks, on a canned tour, does dish out a lot of info, take you to a lot of shopping, and the "highlights." I think one of the best reasons to visit Turkey are the people, but it's hard to talk to get to know locals when you are in a group. I also agree with Bob, the weather could definitely make a difference.
Just chicken I understand what you mean. That is how we felt about our trip to Nepal. Everyone raves about the beauty or a life changing experience. The mountains are gorgeous but overall Nepal didn't capture our hearts the way we thought it would. It was ok, we liked it, although we thought Kathmandu was completely overrated and a dust bowl full of corruption. It sounds like you saw some great things and saw some wonderful sights ...but as you say for you it was vanilla.
China Life Really enjoyed reading this account of your visit to China. We visited the country and blogged about our experiences there in 2007....amazing place. Didn't travel quite so widely as we landed right in the middle of a national holiday when all the transport and all the accommodation was block booked by half of China - not recommended but funny in hindsight! Reading this just bought it all back in vivid technicolor - great job.
Hi all, I'm Mike, a teacher from Wales and travelling plays a key role in my life. I am fascinated by the endless variety this world has to offer and the people who inhabit it, I live to travel to faraway places to seek out as many experiences as possible.
"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It's lethal." - Paulo Coelho. I suppose it's a desperation to avoid the norm of home, that feeling that life is mundane and unfulfilling. I don't want to be like the majority, stuck in the rat race working all day and sat hunched over a smartphone checking Twitt... full info
rand perso
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